|
-
Pressure
- Enemy attacks lose one extra PP. Increases wild encounter rate.
|
Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
50
|
- |
241 |
304 |
- |
| Atk |
95
|
203 |
226 |
289 |
317 |
| Def |
90
|
194 |
216 |
279 |
306 |
| SpA |
95
|
203 |
226 |
289 |
317 |
| SpD |
90
|
194 |
216 |
279 |
306 |
| Spe |
180
|
356 |
396 |
459 |
504 |
Overview
Once the undisputed king of Speed, Deoxys-S now must contend with Pokemon with the Prankster and Magic Bounce abilities. Nonetheless, it is still the fastest unboosted Pokemon in the game, and carries many crucial support moves, such as Stealth Rock, Spikes, Reflect, and Light Screen, and both these traits allow it to retain some of its existing niches as a fast supporter. Perhaps the biggest blow to Deoxys-S, however, is Team Preview, a game feature that allows players to see both teams and choose their leads accordingly. This means that Deoxys-S can effectively be countered before it even enters the ring, a weakness that is exacerbated by its lack of offensive prowess. All that said, something as blindingly fast as Deoxys-S should never be underestimated or left to its own devices, because every turn wasted is another screen set up or another layer of Spikes on the field.
One look at its ridiculous Speed and reasonable bulk should sufficiently explain why Deoxys-S is such a hot commodity for its ability to lay down entry hazards both quickly and reliably. The lack of a legal method to obtain Custap Berry in this generation also prevents Pokemon with Sturdy from stealing this niche. On top of this, Deoxys-S has many moves at its disposal to check opposing leads, such as Taunt, ExtremeSpeed, and even Magic Coat to stymie Prankster Pokemon. In particular, ExtremeSpeed's use is to get rid of Deoxys-A leads, while Fire Punch hurts Forretress leads.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
Mirror Coat is an option to beat attacking leads such as Choice Scarf Kyogre, Shaymin-S, and Rayquaza. 252 Special Attack EVs should be used if Deoxys-S is using a special move in the third or fourth moveslot; however, if using Fire Punch or ExtremeSpeed, 252 Attack EVs should be used. Another option is to put EVs into HP to make Deoxys-S bulkier, allowing it to lay down even more entry hazards. Naturally, one should use 4 HP EVs and a Timid nature rather than 4 Attack EVs with a Hasty nature if neither Fire Punch nor ExtremeSpeed is run.
Deoxys-S should be used on an offensive team that will immediately take advantage of its support. General guidelines to building an offensive team apply, especially the use of defensive pivots. An alternative Spikes user such as Skarmory, Forretress, or Ferrothorn can lessen the pressure on Deoxys-S to do its job. Additionally, if Deoxys-S is Taunted, it is vulnerable to just about any setup Pokemon, including sweepers and supporters, so one should have a strong core that can take on a wide variety of possible sweepers. Giratina and Giratina-O are great spinblockers who can also handle anti-leads such as Scizor and Metagross. Other than that, Deoxys-S can easily fit into any aggressively minded team due to its valuable niche.
An observant reader may have caught on to the theme already, but here it is again: Deoxys-S is the fastest dual screens user in the game. Because it is so fast, it can be difficult to stop as screens are often put up before the opponent can attack. Taunt allows it to shut down opposing support Pokemon, and the remaining moveslot goes to an entry hazard. These traits make Deoxys-S a prime choice for dual screens because it supports itself with its superior Speed and Taunt, and can easily support the rest of its team.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
Offensive dual screens are typically used to open up a sweeping strategy. For example, Deoxys-S can set up screens for Mew, which can then pass Swords Dance or Nasty Plot boosts to a sweeper, such as Rayquaza, Palkia, or any of the other incredibly powerful offensive Pokemon in Ubers. Gorebyss can especially benefit from dual screens due to its frailty; screens allow it to pull off a Shell Smash more easily and either Baton Pass its boosts or take advantage of them itself with its powerful Surf or Hydro Pump. Dual screens are not for a conventional offensive team, but for an extremely aggressive one that intends to barrel right through the opponent within the lifetime of the screens.
Deoxys-S's unparalleled Speed ironically makes it a viable Choice Scarf user. When equipped with a Choice Scarf, it is nearly guaranteed to move first, allowing it to cripple most leads with Trick, or just lay down Spikes and save its Choice item to cripple a wall later in the game. Superpower enables it to threaten Tyranitar and Terrakion, while Shadow Ball or Ice Beam can hit other opponents. Make no mistake, however; due to its weak offensive prowess, it is best that Deoxys-S sticks to its role as a hazard setter. 28 Speed EVs are all that Deoxys-S needs to outrun Jolly Excadrill in the sand.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
Magic Coat is less effective than on other sets due to the Choice lock, but it's still an option to cripple Prankster Pokemon. Thunder Wave lets it shut down an out-of-control opposing sweeper; Mewtwo, for instance, is far easier to handle when paralyzed. Alternative EV investments can vary: 144 Attack EVs guarantees an OHKO on 252/0 Tyranitar after Stealth Rock damage, whereas 96 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature let Deoxys-S outrun Jolly Terrakion after a Rock Polish boost. One can also optimize physical bulk rather than special bulk to help against U-turn-to-priority combinations.
This set serves as more of a hit-and-run kind of lead that doubles as a revenge killer. An offensive team that requires multiple roles to be put into one Pokemon may find this set better than a suicidal hazard-centric set. Stealth Rock from the likes of Groudon or Ferrothorn is a great complement to pile on the residual damage. This set is vulnerable to Taunt from Prankster users, so a strong defensive core to double-switch to is not a bad idea. In return, Deoxys-S can shut down a sweeper or a dangerous opposing Pokemon to let its team breathe more easily.
Other Options
Beyond using fast support moves for the team, Deoxys-S's options are pretty barren. It doesn't have the power to pull off a mixed sweeping set in Ubers, especially as it receives competition from other excellent mixed attackers, such as Zekrom, Rayquaza, Giratina-O, Overheat Groudon, and most of all, Psystrike Mewtwo.
Checks and Counters
Pokemon with Prankster and Magic Bounce shut Deoxys-S down; Thundurus is particularly notable as it can carry Thunder Wave to make Deoxys-S far less effective. Powerful attackers such as Tyranitar, Scizor, Giratina-O, and Metagross can quickly defeat Deoxys-S, but they cannot prevent Stealth Rock from going up. Tyranitar in particular has the Sand Stream ability, which essentially nullifies Deoxys-S's Focus Sash, should it be using one. Users of Rapid Spin, such as Forretress and Excadrill, can also be an overall pain to Deoxys-S's team, especially as Deoxys-S is most often a suicide lead.
